KARACHI:
In Pakistan, some 22 million people lack access to safe drinking water. This has raised the incidence of waterborne diseases, which have increased healthcare costs and reduced productivity. Even though the government has initiated several projects to address the issue, progress has remained slow.
Factories disposing of chemical and other forms of waste into the country’s water bodies have intensified the problem. People living nearby these factories have little choice but to consume the contaminated water. The industrial sector’s harmful practices are also affecting marine life and the overall environment. The government needs to invest in sustainable and long-term projects to ensure all citizens have access to potable water.
The government and other relevant authorities should impose stricter regulations and penalties on factories. They must be monitored and held accountable. Water treatment plants should be established to purify water. People should be informed of the need to conserve water and avoid polluting it. The agriculture sector should adopt water-efficient techniques to reduce wastage. The government needs to fulfil its responsibility of providing everyone with access to clean and potable water.
Eman Farid
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, May 14th, 2023.
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